Let’s talk CONFIDENCE! ✨ who else has struggled with

Let’s talk CONFIDENCE! ✨ who else has struggled with confidence both on the ground and in the saddle? What did you do to slowly build up that confidence and regain the bond and trust between you and your horse? For me, I’ve gone back to basics but I’ve hit a mental block and don’t really see a way over that block!

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AnnaT

Rising Star

We are on the confidence gaining path rn. We only work from the ground and do some walking excersises from the saddle. I hope the best for everyone who is going through that rn 💗

12/12/23-09:42

Caitlin Allen

PS Squad

Everybody goes through those dips in confidence. I had a pretty nasty fall that ended up effecting my riding for a year and a half. I was one to tense up, pinch with the knees, and grip when cantering since I had a car backfire while riding in the outdoor. My horse ducked out, crow hop through the arena, duck out one more time to fling me off, and then run off. I was always afraid SOMETHING would spook my horse and I would have to prep to be launched across the arena. If you can ride or have access to a school master/lesson horse, taking a lunge lesson or going back to the basics will help. I was back doing basics for the better part of this past year to unlearn some real nasty habits that held me back significantly. Having your trainer help you really hone and master the basics will be tough and frustrating at first, but you’ll slowly and surely see the payoff. You’ll have tough days where you think you’re still stuck, but progress isn’t linear and the following ride/lesson you’ll see its starting to click. Hanging out on the ground, going to the barn and just being with your horse is also helpful. If they’re spooky, learn what sets them off. For me, it’s obviously engines making crazy noises but also snow on the indoor roof. Any visible snow on the roof and my horse wouldn’t go NEAR that arena. I worked with him on the ground to just reward him with a treat for taking the smallest step towards it. We want to create a positive environment and not punish them for being terrified of something. Use that ground time to just hang out. Cobweb the stall, get some stall toys, watch them play in the pasture, groom their itchy spots, and take them for hand walks. Those no pressure days are always the best days.

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10/12/23-07:50

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